Every August 15, since 1920, St. Michael's
Maria Assunta Society celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, to commemorate when God took her bodily from earth
to heaven. The society originated from the Sicilian Tusani who
migrated and settled in Pawcatuck. The first secretary recorded
the observance of the feast and the purchase of a statue, carved
in Genoa from wood, and shipped from Palermo, Sicily, in the year
1935.

Over the years the celebration
has centered around a tradition of a special Sunday Mass and then
taking the statue out of the church. After a brief ceremony, the
procession begins marching through the streets with a band playing
traditional music. Along the line of march, people stop the procession
to give offerings in appreciation for favors granted to them by
the Blessed Mother's intercession. Everyone is invited to march
along in this procession to pay homage to her assumption into
heaven.

The Maria Assunta Society promotes
the spiritual welfare and development of the people of Roman Catholic
faith and gives honor and glory to the Blessed Virgin by celebrating
her assumption every August.